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Chapter Text

16 months ago

When Marquis Kim was asked to head towards the palace where the royal family resided, and bring his eldest son with himself at that, never would he have guessed that such a cruel fate would have fallen upon his family. As he was preparing himself for the leave all possibilities passed through his mind – what would the king need of him to make him travel such distances so late into the night?

,,Father.’’ He heard his eldest son, bestowed the name Jiwoong by the king himself, call him, seemingly already well prepared and ready for the journey ahead. ,,I was told to dress in my finest attire.’’ Something was chewing at the Marquis Kim’s mind – this wasn’t just a normal visit to the king’s home.

,,Jiwoong.’’ He called his son quietly not to alarm any of the people around them – it wouldn’t be good if his wife was to wake now. In only a second or two he can see his son joining him by his side. ,,Like always, be alert and observant. Let your mind be clear of any thoughts prior to this and focus on the words the king will say. I fear this is not just a simple invitation.’’

Jiwoong met his father’s eyes through the mirror. ,,I am aware, Father. Whatever the occasion it must be important. Never did the king call for our attendance in such late hours.’’

,,Good. Let us depart now – the king can’t be kept waiting.’’

The journey took them about two hours when the carriage stopped in front of the main palace where the royal family spent days. As they exited the carriage one of the workers assured them inside in hurried steps. Both the marquis and his son were in a state of emergency at this point, only hoping to find the king alive and well.

The usual practice of announcing the arrival of the guests was forgotten and both men were pushed into the throne room, with the whole royal family watching them. Both of them bowed deeply in greeting and waited for the signal to rise.

It never came.

,,I am sure you had many thoughts when you were woken up in the late hours of the night by my messenger but I fear I have no time to explain everything that has transpired recently – or better say, in a day that I haven’t called for either of you. As a marquis family of the Kim kingdom, even if small and very much lacking in comparison to mine or the duke’s wealth, your roots on this earth run far deeper than ours. Your prestige, connections and traditions that you have valued since the establishment of the House of Marquis have brought you up as a very respected and influential family in the society. I still remember when your oldest was barely days old and you asked for me to give him a name. Now that baby carries the name Jiwoong and is standing in front of me – tall, handsome, and dare I say, a much better tactician than you ever were.’’

Both of the invited guests kept their head clear of the thoughts that were threatening to enter their mind. Never has the king spoken so openly about his thoughts on the House of Marquis and this didn’t ease the subtle tension that could be felt in the room.

,,Just a couple of hours before the knocking of my messenger woke you up, I have received a letter of grave importance. Today, in the late afternoon, onto our territory stepped a courier of the neighboring kingdom, with a letter in his hands and words on his lips.’’ Only did now the king stop in his speech, but the two were unable to see his face. ,,Like you are already aware both of my sons are of age and are expected to find their partners very soon – and the king of the Shen kingdom has made it clear that he wants one of my sons to marry his, or he will let the troops attack our borders. I see no need to comply to his request, or better yet a threat.’’

Marquis Kim went pale in his face as he listened to the words that were said by the king, already assuming why he was summoned here – why his son was summoned here.

,,But of course I can’t just ignore his words. My first son is to be the next king, and my second is like the apple of my eye. So, I thought about it and Jiwoong dear, you seemed like a perfect solution. I bestowed you with a name – to me you are no different than my sons. When the wedding is finished and the Shen kingdom finds out about the mishap, it will already be too late to do anything about it.’’ The king’s voice was the epitome of gentle and regretful but both the father and his son knew that the matter was already done.

,,Your Highness, if I may ask, when am I to leave?’’ The one who asks is Jiwoong himself, being in a much better state than his father, but really, wheels were turning in his head.

,,The Crown Prince of the Shen Kingdom is expected to set foot into our kingdom in two days when we will discuss the details of the upcoming arrangement. As by tradition, he will not be able to see the face of his partner, you do not have to fret about being found out.’’

,,Your Highness, if you would allow it, I would like to return to our residence with my son.’’

There is a hum of approval on the king’s end when Marquis Kim and Jiwoong take their leave.

The two are on the way back home when Marquis Kim finds it in himself to speak up. ,,Jiwoong, perhaps we should have said something. I know your mind is great but you are fragile. Your blonde hair doesn’t help it – you are a strike difference to what a man from the Kim Kingdom looks like, and acts. How will you find yourself there?’’

Jiwoong doesn’t think about it as he speaks up right away. ,,Father, you know as well as I do that there was no possibility of us denying the order the king gave. It’s either we accept, or we wait for an inhumane end for our house. Like the king said, we are well-connected – and he is scared that we might be doing something behind his back. He can’t get rid of us with no proof, as that will cause uproar, but he can make sure to bind us even more. If we went against him today, I fear we would no longer have heads on our necks, mother and Yujin as well.’’

,,I wonder Jiwoong, would he truly do it – that easily?’’

Jiwoong closes his eyes briefly and then opens them again. ,,I know father and the king spent their youth together but you should know better than anyone that the higher the role you have, the bigger responsibility and paranoia. It doesn’t help that the minister Kang is always by his side.’’

,,And what will happen to you after you leave? How am I even going to explain this to your mother?’’

Jiwoong leans his head onto the carriage. ,,The king won’t discard me so easily. I know I am one of the more important assets that he has in his hands. There is more to this, he will call upon me after the guests from the Shen kingdom leave. There is nothing we can do until then. As for mother, don’t worry. She will cry, but she is smart.’’

,,You talk as if you already have an idea of what is to happen.’’

,,You know I am always one step ahead.’’

Chapter Text

16 months ago, 2 days after Marquis Kim and his son were called upon

With permission from his father, Jiwoong took to visiting the palace today. It was about time for the guests from the Shen kingdom to arrive and he needed to take a closer look at what he was getting into before he decided on his next step. Luckily, thanks to the tradition of not seeing one another before the wedding, he is free to look around.

Just like the last time, he wore the finest clothes he could find, light blue in color with small flowers around its hem. He was told many times such colors suited him, and given the fact that he is sure he will be called to the throne room when the king sees fit, this was a good solution.

As the carriage stopped in front of the palace Jiwoong noticed that beside his own, six more carriages were lined up outside. Shen kingdom surely isn’t lacking.

When Jiwoong stepped outside, something in the air was strikingly different. In comparison to the six carriages that were adorned with gold, flowers and decorations, his own seemed shabby and very much lacking. He couldn’t help but step closer to take a better look at them, hoping to remember them to the smallest detail. He let his fingertips touch the surface. Hickory. As expected of the royal blood.

,,Introduce yourself.’’ The voice behind Jiwoong sounds serious and suspicious. Jiwoong turns around slowly and sees the tip of the sword aligning with his chin. When his eyes move further away he sees a tall figure with brown hair and big brown eyes. ,,Speak.’’

Jiwoong has never seen him before. Must be one of the Crown Prince’s people. ,,My name is Jiwoong. I am the son of the Marquis Kim of this kingdom.’’ He smiles, unbothered by the sword that was threatening to cut his skin. ,,I assure you it would be better for you to let the sword down. I am sure neither of us wants trouble, especially since it seems you have only just arrived from a long journey. I was simply admiring the work on the carriages. You could say I was in awe, or jealous if you will.’’

,,I have never heard of someone from the Kim kingdom having such a light color of their hair.’’ The man speaks as he puts the sword down but his eyes don’t stray away from Jiwoong’s hair.

,,Then I must be one of the wonders of the world.’’ Jiwoong answered it half-joking and half-seriously. It was no surprise that the man was surprised. Jiwoong was probably the only one with his hair this fair in their kingdom, maybe even farther away. He wasn’t sure why either.

Then his name was called. ,,Sir Kim, His Highness is calling for you.’’ Well, that was soon that he expected.

He nodded to the escort and turned towards the man to bid his goodbyes. ,,If you will allow.’’ And with that he left the man behind himself, his mind already on what is to happen at the room he was escorted to.

As he knocks on the door and receives a curt ‘yes’ to enter, the big door open and he goes to bow first to his king and then to the visiting guests. He doesn’t look up but something tells him they are all looking at his hair, just like the man from earlier. He takes a seat at the far left of the king and waits for his clue as to when to speak up.

,,You seem to have a very special case in your possession, Your Highness.’’ One of the Crown Prince’s men speaks up. Jiwoong didn’t like him at all. The look in his eyes, slightly parted lips, the authority to ironically speak to the ruler of another kingdom – this man is reeking from malice, vanity, and hunger for power - the tone of his voice mocking.

Jiwoong’s eyes trailed to who he now knows is the Crown Prince. Jiwoong knows looks can deceive but he didn’t seem like a stupid man. Why was he just letting this happen?

,,It only seemed fitting that if the Crown Prince has his advisor with him, I have mine as well.’’ So he was right – it’s a war between the two men. And this was also his cue to say something. Jiwoong stood up and once again bowed to the Crown Prince purposefully angling his body away from the advisor. No matter the situation the Crown Prince is still the one in charge.

,,My name is Kim Jiwoong, Your Highness, from the Marquis Kim house. I apologize for the wait.’’ He hears a throat being cleared next to the Crown Prince and knows his deliberate actions didn’t pass the eye of the advisor.

,,It’s nothing to concern yourself with – we are waiting for one of ours too.’’ Jiwoong sits down again but this time focuses his eyes on the dishes prepared for the guests. If there is one thing known about the Crown Prince of the Shen kingdom it is that he can’t eat seafood. He gets rashes all over his body and he is itching. And would you look at that, only seafood is prepared. The king is provoking.

There is opening of the door and all the attention goes to the new arrival and Jiwoong almost smirks. As he expected, the man from earlier wasn’t just a simple footman or a knight. His attire was made in a color of corbeau, a hard one to manage so he must have some influence. The handle of his sword had three rubies around it – a symbol of his deep connection to the Shen royals. The man’s eyes don’t wonder and he walks to the free chair next to the Crown Prince.

,,I propose we start with negotiations.’’ The Crown Prince’s advisor says and Jiwoong notices the subtle clutching of the newly arrived man’s hand. He isn’t stupid.

,,The wedding is to take place in a month. We have arranged for a carriage that is to bring your son to our estate.’’ We? Our?

,,I doubt you came all this way for such few words.’’

Jiwoong noticed it, the way the Crown Prince’s hand twitched and he tugged at the man’s attire. Only a second after did he speak up. ,,The Crown Prince is very tired, Your Highness. If you will allow it, we would like to retire for the day.’’ It’s not just a simple master-servant relationship.

,,Of course sir.’’ Jiwoong spoke. ,,There is plenty of time for us to further discuss the details of the union. You have spent long days travelling, it’s only right that you take time to recover.’’ He sees the way the advisor and the man look at him. He smiles. ,,The garden of the estate is beautiful this time of the year and the flowers are in full bloom – I recommend taking a stroll around it.’’

,,If you will excuse us then.’’

Chapter Text

16 months ago, a day after the Crown Prince’s arrival

,,We meet again. Since this is our third time meeting I must ask – what is your name, sir?’’ Truthfully, when Jiwoong recommended a stroll around the main estate’s garden he had it in his plan to talk to the Crown Prince on his own, not to see his follower here.

Jiwoong sees him bow his head. He is lower in rank. ,,Kim Gyuvin.’’ Jiwoong nods.

,,Where is the Crown Prince?’’ Jiwoong is bold enough to ask. Now that his rank is discovered the man will be more careful with his actions. He sees it – the way Gyuvin’s eyes narrow and the feeling is not pleasant. It’s like he is sending daggers his way. He is dangerous.

,,The Crown Prince wasn’t feeling well so he decided to stay in the chamber.’’ He seemed weird yesterday but not to the point of being unwell. He is missing something.

,,Then I suppose it’s better if he rests well.’’ Jiwoong says for the sake of saying something. Gyuvin’s eyes don’t leave his frame and Jiwoong wondered if this was done on purpose – him meeting the man here. A secret plot orchestrated by the Crown Prince himself? ,,I am aware it was a long journey to arrive here.’’ Jiwoong straightens his posture. Perhaps if I create an opening? ,,Has the Crown Prince eaten well since arriving? It came to my attention that the food prepared yesterday was only seafood.’’ There is a twitch in Gyuvin’s eyes and Jiwoong is ready for the harsh words to be spoken – never for the hatred that has shown itself in his eyes.

Luckily for him, Jiwoong had tons of practice with the court and military officials.

He pretends not to see it and waits patiently for the man to compose himself and prepare an answer – which he does, surprisingly fast. ,,Is it your intention to make me speak ill of your kingdom?’’

,,No matter how nice something looks, its core can be rotten beyond repair. Wouldn’t you agree?’’ I do, Jiwoong sees how he wants to say it but can’t. ,,Isn’t your kingdom the same?’’ And Gyuvin is watching him, Jiwoong knows he hit the spot.

,,Why did you so readily agree to this alliance then?’’ Jiwoong is fighting a snort threatening to leave his body. Poor thing, has no idea about a thing.

Jiwoong leaves it as it is and moves the conversation back to the Crown Prince. ,,You should call for a physician for the Crown Prince.’’ The Crown Prince is a very sensitive topic for the man it seems. ,,You didn’t.’’ Jiwoong says as he sees the muscle of Gyuvin’s face stiff. ,,Advisor Park, I assume, supposedly did.’’ Gyuvin’s lips part and Jiwoong gives him one of his signature eye smiles when he knows he is to win. 

,,You-‘’ Jiwoong doesn’t let him speak.

,,I am the king’s tactician or whatever you want to call me. Do you really think he would keep me by his side if I wasn’t good enough? If I wasn’t excellent? I may look fragile but I assure you my mind is by far surpassing yours.’’ It wasn’t easy for Gyuvin to listen as perhaps sly remarks come his way but he wasn’t in a hurry to stop any of it either.

There is wind blowing and leaves are swaying along to it in perfect synchronization when Jiwoong hears a question that surprises him as much as it surprises the person that utters it. ,,If you claim to be of an excellent mind, to the point where you can surpass anybody, what would it take for me to buy you? What would it take for me to do to make you join us on the journey back to the Shen kingdom?’’

,,Be careful, sire. Eyes and ears are everywhere. The weight your words carry doesn’t sound insignificant.’’ Jiwoong sees him gulping and in a swift steps Gyuvin is in front of him. Jiwoong doesn’t stray from his stare. ,,What you are implying could get you killed.’’

,,I fear I am already too deep to return.’’

Jiwoong sighs. ,,You didn’t come for nothing here today. You wanted to meet me.’’

,,I know a good heart when I see one, but I also see a rotten one.’’ Jiwoong indulges him. He is to marry into this game of trickery. It doesn’t hurt to know beforehand even if he won’t be trusted after the big reveal. Perhaps this could be his way of saying sorry – if he was to help now. ,,And I saw that you do as well.’’

Someone is observant. ,,We are leaving tomorrow.’’ They are what? ,,Advisor Park is in a hurry to get back to the kingdom.’’ He suddenly puts distance between them and steps away, hand going to a knife carefully hidden in his waistband. Jiwoong’s eyes narrow.

Only a few seconds after did a person show up.

,,Sire Gyuvin, The Crown Prince is looking for you.’’ How convenient. But it’s not the Crown Prince looking for him, Jiwoong is sure, as he sees Gyuvin rolling his eyes almost discreetly.

This time he does snort, thankfully still partially hidden by Gyuvin’s shadow from the intruder.

,,I was acquiring about the Crown Prince health so I must have got in the way.’’ Jiwoong decides on helping him out. Besides, a mere helper wouldn’t be able to oppose him. ,,I will be on my way. Say my greetings to the Crown Prince.’’

As he is walking, passing by Gyuvin, he feels something slide into his robes, but in the next second that sensation is already gone. If he wasn’t as perceptive as he was, he would have missed it.

He waits until he is in a privacy of his own carriage before taking a look at the paper that was given to him.

Midnight – the garden

He is bold, Jiwoong will give him that. Still, he couldn’t help but be a bit curious about what a young one will tell him.

True to his words, when the clock strikes midnight and Jiwoong finds his way to the garden; Gyuvin is already waiting for him. He looks surprised to see him. Was he expecting him to pass by on this opportunity when he knows something out of the order is happening behind closed doors? Besides, he is to marry into this mess, he should know a bit before getting fully tangled up in it.

,,You look like you didn’t expect me to come, sire. Why is that?’’ Gyuvin doesn’t meet his eyes but just turns around for Jiwoong to follow along. ,,May I know where we are going?’’

,,The Crown Prince’s chambers.’’ He answers him shortly.

,,Scandalous. The Crown Prince is set to marry. What will people think?’’ Jiwoong just knows that the vein is popping up on Gyuvin’s forehead despite not being able to see.

They are in front of the wing where guests from the Shen kingdom reside when Gyuvin stops and turns to him. ,,Stick close to me in case something happens.’’ And Jiwoong would have teased him further for his choice of words but tension in his posture is very visible so Jiwoong just nods and does as he is told.

They stay silent until they are in front of the door and Gyuvin opens them, rushing him inside.

As they enter the inside of the room is barely visible due to the moonlight but Jiwoong makes out a figure sleeping on the bed. This doesn't look like a person that is unwell.

He sees Gyuvin going closer to the bed so he follows along. ,,Why did you take me here?" He waits for Gyuvin to speak as he watches the Crown Prince's chest move with each breath he takes.

,,I have my suspicions." 

,,Regarding what?" 

,,I am led to believe that the Crown Prince is getting poisoned." 

,,Words you are saying are not light and allude to something dangerous. This is not a small matter." Jiwoong, truly, doesn't doubt the man. He seems to be more concerned with the Crown Prince than any of the people that came along on this journey. ,,How can I know if your claims are true?" 

,,You have seen him yesterday. I am sure your eyes would not have missed the condition the Crown Prince was in." Jiwoong couldn't refute that. ,,And it's worse on days when his presence isn't needed."

,,I am a tactitian, sire, not a physician." 

,,You claim to have a mind that surpasses plenty." Was that a challenge? 

Jiwoong goes to the middle of the room and sits on the futon of sorts and pulls out a paper from his attire. He gets a pen from the right corner of the small table and soaks it in ink, starting to write down words as Gyuvin is stepping closer to his side.

,,I do not think I am of help but I cannot ignore the weight your accusations carry. Are you completely sure in your words?" He doesn't need to hear Gyuvin's answer, he already decided to help.

,,I expected you to help, but not so easily." Gyuvin remarks. Jiwoong's movement stills, if only you knew, but then continues writing. ,,I can't look away without checking." I don't exactly want him to die after the wedding and have myself executed. ,,In spite of not being part of my kingdom, he will have ties to it in a month."

,,What are you writing?" Gyuvin sneeks a peek at the words on the paper.

,,You are leaving tomorrow, there is not much I can do. This here is the list of books I have read that contain information about different kinds of poison, as well as the names of the ones I am aware of. I will seek you out in the crowd tomorrow. Give me a couple of minutes to asses the Crown Prince's symptoms and condition. Perhaps I could narrow it down a little then."

,,He may die before I even find out which one it is."

,,I suggest you start right now - and don't leave his side. Only when the Crown Prince is completely alone can advisor Park take action." Gyuvin does not comment on the fact Jiwoong already has a possible name.

,,So you believe me?" Gyuvin grabs the paper from Jiwoong's hand and grips it strong enough to tear into it.

,,I don't believe simple words, I act upon what I see and the evidence I am presented with. The Crown Prince hasn't moved a single muscle since we walked in, and we aren't whispering. By now, any person would wake up. This alone tells him something is not right. Be it poison, or just something for easier sleep, if taken too often and in big quantities, everything has its downsides." Jiwoong's eyes don't move away from the body beneath the covers. At least he is breathing.

,,Like I mentioned, I suggest you hurry." I wonder if you are ready for what you are getting into.

,,I suspect he will be more himself tomorrow since he will have to greet your king."

,,Even better. That day he seemed out of it, not fully there. I may have some luck if I get to speak with him properly. The one who shall know the truth is only the Crown Prince himself, I fear."

,,Shall I bring him to the gardens then?"

,,Yes. I often roam around it so my presence wouldn't raise any alarms and seeing how I suggested strolling around the garden to the Crown Prince, it won't ne suspicious. It would be a shame for him not to see the beauties that the palace's garden carries." He stays silent about the fact that the king would probably be delighted to let the two meet.

,,Then let me escort you to your carriage." Gyuvin tells him but Jiwoong shakes his head. 

,,No one will attack me. I assure you, the king wouldn't let them rest in peace for even a single day if something were to happen to me."

,,You have a lot of faith in the king." I have faith in the fact that I am still of use to him.

Jiwoong smiles and goes to open the chamber's door. ,,I will see you tomorrow, sire. May you have a peacefull night."

Chapter Text

16 months ago, the day of the Crown Prince's departure

When Jiwoong enters the garden he knows sire Gyuvin and the Crown Prince are already there. He has barely ever seen such a big amount of people following someone else other than people carrying royal blood. He takes deep breaths, dusts off his attire, and composes himself, taking small steps, carrying himself as if all of this was truly just a coincidence.

He catches the eyes of sire Gyuvin which doesn't surprise him - he is sharp, his senses alert, his figure towering over evey single one of them. He nods in a sign of acknowledgement and a way for Gyuvin to know it's time to start.

Gyuvin nods and Jiwoong sees the subtle way he is trying to avert the Crown Prince's attention from the flowers to where Jiwoong would have easier access to him. It doesn't takw him more than a light tap on the shoulder before the Crown Prince is following Gyuvin's instructions. The ease in which they work around each other strikes Jiwoong - it's not something you see in between two people of such difference in social standing.

,,Your Highness." Jiwoong bows as he stands in front of the Crown Prince. Today, he was different. Today, there was no blur, no haze, in his eyes. He notices the way the Crown Prince tenses, unfamiliar face is a threat to anyone let alone to someone of his status, so he looks at Gyuvin for help.

,,This is the king's advisor." I am a lot more than that. ,,Kim Jiwoong." Jiwoong bows again and the Crown Prince nods at him, which, in itself, was a surprise. Jiwoong smiles. So he was far from present at the time of arrival.

,,Are you enjoying the flowers, Your Highness?" He starts off slow, he can't have him on alert.

,,Yes. They are lovely." His answers are short, curt, he telorates his presence because of approval Gyuvin gave when he introduced him. That's fine. A future king should be suspicious at all times.

,,I heard you were not feeling well." He feels Gyuvin sending daggers his way. Yes, it would have been ideal if he didn't rush, but they don't have so much time.

,,I seem to not be used to the climate of your kingdom."  The Crown Prince's voice is soft and  doesn't strike Jiwoong as something that would wake up fear, respect, or trust in anyone.

,,Your Highness, has this been happening for a long time? Please, don't get me wrong. You seemed unwell even on the day of the arrival." Jiwoong let his eyes look over the body of the Crown Prince but he was wearing a high collar attire, with long sleeves. But it's one of the warmest days of the year.

,,I have a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders due to being the next in line. I may have been more tired than I assumed." This is not going where I wanted it to. He isn't letting his guard down.

Jiwoong smiles. ,,Of course." He turns to Gyuvin. ,,Would you allow me to accompany you while you are preparing to leave?" A quick glance at Gyuvin's direction tells Jiwoong that the Crown Prince wasn't expecting Gyuvin to put up with him for as long as he did, but the trust in the Crown Prince's eyes couldn't ne mistaken. This one must be outstanding in his duties then.

Jiwoong takes to walking on Gyuvin's side. Skin issues. It doesn't tell me much but at least I can get rid off of some poisons. Jiwoong almost sighs. It would have been even better if the person next to him wouldn't stare so much.

Jiwoong glances at the pair next to him and his eyes sharpen right away. He is missing his steps. He follows every step the Crown Prince takes and with each one his body is more leaned towards Gyuvin. He is..lethargic? Drowsy? It doesn't tell a lot.

The same carriages Jiwoong saw on the day of the Crown Prince's arrival were waiting for them. ,,I'd like to think you enjoyed your time here, Your Highness. Now that we are to merge as one union, you will always be welcomed." Jiwoong bows to the Crown Prince, his eyes kept low as he spoke.

The Crown Prince looks at him. He thinks I'm weird. But then he nods and with Gyuvin's help he enters one of the carriages. Strange. Now that he looks around there is not a lot of people waiting for his departure. The disrespect is clear.

After making sure that the Crown Prince is inside the carriage, and Gyuvin was waiting for them to begin this journey, Jiwoong stepped closer. ,,Is the Crown Prince aware of what is happening?"

Gyuvin shakes his head. ,,No. He thinks it's tiredness due to a demending position he carries."

,,Is he even ready to lead a kingdom if there is not even a slighest doubt?" He is aware. Jiwoong knows. He wouldn't wear such a heavy attire on a such a warm day if it wasn't to hide something.

,,Are you saying he is not worth the title?"

,,I'm saying that you should talk to him about it. I am of no help and asked you for something that gave no proper results, so the only thing you can do now is talk to him about it and maybe find the problem together. He has something on his skin, that's why he is wearing long sleeves. Start from there." He has done what he could and perhaps when he is thrown into the battlefield, the Crown Prince will show mercy.

Gyuvin looks him over in doubt but says nothing to that. ,,If I uncover something and find a way to write you, will you write back?"

,,Your loyalty to the crown is admirable Sir Gyuvin. You have my word that I will help if my help is ever needed. We are all just trying our best to survive in a world that we have little influence in." Jiwoong sees the Crown Prince peeking behind the curtain. ,,I think it's time for us to part ways as the Crown Prince seems to be impatient."

Jiwoong turns back and starts walking to the estate, hearing the sound of hooves hitting the ground and moving further away.

Now all that is left is for me to get married.